Operating on Roads

Operating an ATV on a road or on a road's right-of-way is highly restricted and in most cases unlawful. There are a few exceptions; however, you should consider all highways (roads) and right-of-ways (ROW) closed to ATVs until you are sure operation is allowed.

ATVs may be operated on highways that are designated and posted as ATV routes.

ATVs may be operated on a highway to cross a bridge, culvert, or other obstruction after first stopping and yielding to motor vehicle traffic and pedestrians. ATVs may cross only if they can operate legally on both sides of the obstruction (i.e., a designated trail or private property with permission).

ATVs may operate in the right-of-way (ditchline) of county and state highways only if the right-of-way is an ATV trail or ATV route.

ATVs may be operated in the right-of-way (ditchline) of town roads with permission.

There is no residential access allowance that permits you to ride from your house or place of lodging to the nearest trail. You must trailer your ATV to an access point on the trail unless you live immediately adjacent to a trail or route and it borders your property.

Remember …

Do not assume that you can ride next to roads (ditchlines/right-of-ways) the same way snowmobiles do. This general allowance does not exist for ATV operation.

Gossary

highway

All public ways plus thoroughfares and bridges on the same. It includes the entire width between the boundary lines of every way open to the use of the public as a matter of right for the purpose of vehicle traffic. Generally, federal and state highways are designated by a number. County highways are designated by a letter or letters. Town highways are generally designated by a name.